News from 2024
Maximizing earnings as a driver with the Roadie delivery app
By L. E. Bushouse | May 16, 2024
Roadie, a gig work app, connects individuals needing to send packages with drivers willing to deliver them. This unique platform enables anyone with a vehicle to earn extra income by capitalizing on their existing trips. Roadie drivers enjoy the flexibility of choosing the deliveries they want to undertake, allowing them to work according to their own schedules.
Understanding DoorDash driver's earning potential and payment process
By R. B. Pepalis | May 16, 2024
The gig economy continues to offer flexible earning opportunities, with DoorDash being a popular choice for many. If you're considering joining this sector as a DoorDash driver, understanding the payment process and potential earnings is crucial. This article delves into the financial aspects and operational details of being a DoorDash driver.
Guide to becoming an Instacart shopper: Earnings breakdown and tips
By K. R. Nelson | May 16, 2024
The gig economy continues to thrive, with companies like Instacart offering flexible ways for individuals to earn income. This article provides a comprehensive guide on becoming an Instacart shopper, the types of orders one might encounter, and how Instacart pays its drivers. It also offers tips on increasing weekly earnings.
Understanding and mitigating the effects of income volatility
By J. N. Schierl | May 16, 2024
Brett Helling, founder of Gigworker.com and a rideshare driver since 2012, has shed light on the issue of income volatility. This term refers to the distinct change in a worker's annual income from one year to the next. According to a report by Pew Charitable Trusts, more than a third of Americans face up to 25% fluctuations in their income annually.
New Jersey business owner on e-bike insurance proposal: ‘This flawed bill has nothing to do with safety or equity’
By E. F. Cullerton | May 16, 2024
Brendon Poh, proprietor of the independent bicycle store Cycle Craft located in Parsippany, New Jersey, expressed his concerns about a proposed bill that would necessitate e-bikes to be registered and insured like automobiles. In an opinion piece dated March 22, he argued that the proposed legislation offers no benefits and has numerous drawbacks.
Upwork announces research on Gen Z freelancing trends
By Flexible Work News | May 16, 2024
Upwork has unveiled new research from The Upwork Research Institute, spotlighting the persistent growth of freelancing among Gen Z professionals. The study shows that a substantial part of the U.S. workforce, consisting of 38%, or 64 million Americans, participated in freelance work in 2023. Notably, over half, specifically 52%, of all surveyed Gen Z professionals were actively freelancing.
NELP announces importance of unemployment insurance amid job growth slowdown
By Flexible Work News | May 16, 2024
The National Employment Law Project (NELP) recently released an April jobs report, revealing a slowdown in job growth and an increase in the unemployment rate to 3.9%. The report emphasized the continued importance of unemployment insurance for children and families. According to NELP's research, parental unemployment can have detrimental effects on children's health, education, and future career prospects.
Enclave hosting free happy hours, office tours at Barrington location
By Flexible Work News | May 15, 2024
Enclave Coworking will be hosting a happy hour and office tour at its Barrington location every Thursday from now until June 13.
Upwork announces spring 2024 innovations
By Flexible Work News | May 14, 2024
Upwork, the global work marketplace, recently announced its latest advancements during the Upwork Updates: Spring 2024 event. The new features include Uma, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant, and additional resources for freelancers. These enhancements aim to revolutionize the hiring and working process for businesses and professionals worldwide.
NJ Bike & Walk Coalition director: E-bike insurance bill ‘will undermine our current efforts to reduce road crashes’
By A. I. Benavidez | May 13, 2024
Debra Kagan, Executive Director of the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition (NJBWC), recently expressed concerns over a proposed bill requiring insurance for e-bikes. In a February 15 post to the NJBWC website, she said the legislation could discourage e-bike usage and “undermine our current efforts to reduce road crashes by pushing more people to continue driving cars.”
Uber’s head of driver communications: California’s rideshare insurance requirements ‘are many times that of any other car on the road’
By J. N. Schierl | May 9, 2024
In a May 7 statement Uber’s Global Head of Driver Communications Alix Anfang told Flexible Work News that California’s liability insurance requirements for ridesharing companies are significantly higher than those for personal vehicles.
New Jersey nonprofit: ‘tell your legislators to keep e-bikes affordable’ by voting against e-bike insurance bill
By A. A. Sanchez | May 8, 2024
The Regional Plan Association (RPA), a nonprofit organization, has urged New Jersey residents to implore their legislators to vote against a proposed bill that necessitates the registration and insurance of e-bikes. In the April 19 post, the RPA warns that the implementation of this bill could result in additional costs for e-bike riders.
A Quick Guide to Delivery Gig Apps
By Flexible Work News | May 6, 2024
Navigating the bustling world of gig platforms can be a bit of a maze, especially if you're looking to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and financial needs. Whether you're planning to drive full-time or just looking to make some extra cash on the side, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each option. From established giants like Amazon Flex and Spark Driver to more localized services like Favor Delivery, our review will dive deep into the nuances of working with these popular delivery gig platforms, covering everything from how to sign up to the real perks and...
Nevada Uber driver on attorney contingency fees: ‘the current system works better for lawyers than for drivers’
By R. B. Pepalis | May 1, 2024
Emilee Rodgers, a Nevada-based Uber driver, has expressed her dissatisfaction with the current legal system, stating that it "works better for lawyers" than it does for rideshare drivers who are injured on the job. According to Rodgers, attorneys often take "huge chunks" of settlement or damages awards. She made these comments in a press release dated March 18, concerning a Nevada ballot initiative that proposes to limit attorney contingency fees.
Uber's $1 Billion Investment in Prop 22 Benefits for California Drivers and Couriers
By Flexible Work News | Apr 29, 2024
Uber recently announced an investment of more than $1 billion in benefits for California drivers and couriers under Proposition 22 (Prop 22). The proposition, which was passed in 2020, provides significant protections and guarantees to workers in the state. According to Uber, since the passage of Prop 22, drivers and couriers in California have received over a billion dollars in minimum earnings guarantee and additional benefits, highlighting the ongoing impact of the law.Among the benefits provided under Prop 22 are a Minimum Earnings Guarantee, a Health Care Stipend,...
Introducing Solo’s Professional Profile: A Game-Changer for Gig Workers
By Flexible Work News | Apr 29, 2024
In a bid to aid gig workers in managing their multiple jobs and ensuring compliance, Solo has introduced a new feature called the Professional Profile. This feature serves as a digital vault for gig workers to securely store, access, and manage all their business-related documents in one central location. As stated by Solo, the goal is to make self-employment as streamlined and efficient as possible for independent workers.The creation of the Professional Profile was driven by the need to simplify document management for gig workers who often face challenges with...
NELP announces support for expanded overtime protections
By Flexible Work News | Apr 29, 2024
The National Employment Law Project (NELP) has commended the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for its final rule designed to strengthen and expand overtime protections for workers across the country. The DOL's prompt adjustment of the current threshold to account for inflation since its last update in 2019 was particularly praised by NELP.
Uber and ITF Launch Global Safety Charter for Couriers
By Flexible Work News | Apr 26, 2024
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and Uber have joined forces to launch a Global Charter on Courier Health and Safety, aimed at enhancing the well-being of couriers worldwide. This initiative, which introduces 12 principles focused on addressing the unique safety concerns of couriers, particularly those utilizing bikes, scooters, and motorcycles on the Uber platform, is set to benefit millions of workers across more than 11,000 cities globally.Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of ITF, emphasized the importance of the safety charter, stating, “At the...
Uber for Business Introduces New Tool for Executive Assistants
By Flexible Work News | Apr 26, 2024
Uber for Business has unveiled a new tool aimed at enhancing the travel experience for executive assistants (EAs) and their executives. The introduction of delegate profiles on Uber for Business is designed to streamline the process of managing executive ground transportation, providing a more efficient and convenient solution for EAs. According to Catherine Boccellari, an EA working with Uber’s Senior Vice President of Mobility and Business Operations Andrew Macdonald, the implementation of delegate profiles has significantly improved her daily workflow. Boccellari...
Fiverr announces that spring 2024 business trends show a reliance on freelancers
By Flexible Work News | Apr 26, 2024
Fiverr, the online marketplace for freelance services, has released its Spring 2024 Business Trends Index. The report reveals a growing trend among businesses seeking freelancers to enhance organizational performance and productivity. According to Fiverr's 9th Business Trends Index, this pattern underscores an increasing reliance on freelance talent.